The Mandala in depth

Renee sent me this description on mandalas:

The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.

Describing both material and non-material realities, the mandala appears in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, and moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family, and community.

Representing the universe itself, a mandala is both the microcosm and the macrocosm, and we are all part of its intricate design. The mandala is more than an image seen with our eyes; it is an actual moment in time. It can be can be used as a vehicle to explore art, science, religion and life itself. The mandala contains an encyclopedia of the finite and a road map to infinity.

Carl Jung said that a mandala symbolizes "a safe refuge of inner reconciliation and wholeness." It is "a synthesis of distinctive elements in a unified scheme representing the basic nature of existence." Jung used the mandala for his own personal growth and wrote about his experiences.
It is said by Tibetan Buddhists that a mandala consists of five "excellencies":

The teacher • The message • The audience • The site • The time

An audience or "viewer" is necessary to create a mandala. Where there is no you, there is no mandala.
Labryinths, Medicine Wheels, Tree of Life, Sand Mosaics, Yin/Yang symbol are some graphic xamples of mandalas.

In a nutshell, a mandala is An integrated structure organized around a unifying center.
*check out the sidebar link to The Mandala Project homepage for ideas.*

Into the East

As we begin this journey I feel a connection with all of you in the circle already.I know beyond a doubt we all have lessons to teach one another.

I offer you this blog as a place to connect and share.If you are unfamiliar with using a blog you can just create a post or comment. If I notice book titles or movies to add to the list, I will copy those over to that list for you.

Consider me the Clan Scribe. I am in service to our circle as we all lead one another through this journey together.

Namaste ~ Laurie